With all of the action happening in Downtown Silver City, the criterium is by far the most popular event at the Tour of the Gila. The entire day brings racing to the Historic Downtown area of Silver City with a closed course covering Bullard, College, Cooper and Broadway streets.

One of the favorite viewing spots is the corner of Broadway and Bullard, where racers negotiate a 90-degree corner while reaching speeds in excess of 65 kmph, doing it over and over again. The start/finish line at 6th and Bullard will have people lined up 3 deep to watch exciting finish sprints. Don’t forget the back stretch, which includes a downhill section often causing racers to ‘catch air’ as they come over 6th and Cooper.

This fun-filled day offers something for everyone. The children can start off with a free bicycle rodeo on College St which leads into the ever-popular citizen races at mid-day.

Enjoy craft beers served at the Little Toad Brewery Beer Garden, at the corner of College and Bullard.

Enjoy the vibrant historic-area galleries, merchants and restaurants which offer great places to stop in to cool down, shop and partake of Silver City’s great dining scene. The UCI Men race will round out the day of racing, ending their test of stamina and endurance after 40 laps. Put the cowbells to work and cheer your favorite team on!

Time

Class

Distance

8:00 am

Women 3, 4,5

12.9 miles(20.8km)

8:45 am

Men 4,5

16.2 miles(26.1km)

9:35 am

Master Men B

16.2 miles(26.1km)

10:25 am

Men 3

21.6 miles(34.8km)

11:25 am

Master Men A

21.6 miles(34.8km)

12:30 pm

Citizens

Varies by age group

1:30 pm

UCI Women

27.0 miles(43.5km)

2:45 pm

Men 1,2

32.4 miles(52.1km)

4:15 pm

UCI Men

43.2 miles(69.5km)

A closer look at Stage 4: The Downtown Silver City Criterium

Details for both:

On the Course: 3 bonus sprints: time bonuses for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, cash award for 1st and sprinter points for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

At the Finish: time bonuses for 1st, 2nd and 3rd and sprinter points for 1st through 10th.